Weeks after winning American Idol, Jamal Roberts had a star-studded coronation at the BET Awards.
The 27-year-old gospel and R&B singer from Meridian, Mississippi, who won Season 23 of ABC’s reality TV show on May 18 against country singer John Foster, became the first Black man to win American Idol since Ruben Studdard 22 years earlier. “I’m anointed. I know how to use it. I know how to tap in,” Roberts told Gold Derby after his victory.
At the 2025 BET Awards, Roberts brought the house down during a special gospel performance alongside Kirk Franklin, Tamar Braxton, Muni Long, and more. The electrifying collaboration marked Roberts’ first major appearance post-Idol, and the moment felt like a symbolic passing of the torch within gospel and soul music. The crowd responded with thunderous applause as the young star held his own among legends, blending powerhouse vocals with a magnetic stage presence.
Earlier that same day, Roberts also appeared on NeNe Leakes’ talk show, where he delivered an a cappella rendition of Joe’s “All the Things (Your Man Won’t Do).” Leakes was visibly moved, dancing and reacting with pure delight. “I’m just shining, honey!” she exclaimed, responding to the lyric about shining like a diamond.
The BET Awards 2025, dubbed “Culture’s Biggest Night,” celebrated Black excellence in media and entertainment with a five-hour telecast. Special honors were given to Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, and Snoop Dogg. Kendrick Lamar led the evening with five music wins, while Luther: Never Too Much took home Best Movie. Denzel Washington and Cynthia Erivo were honored as Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively.
Roberts’ performance at the BET Awards was a powerful follow-up to his winning run on American Idol. His journey on the show was filled with viral moments, thanks to standout performances of “Tennessee Whiskey,” “Liar,” “Forever,” “Try a Little Tenderness,” “Shout,” “Heal,” “Undo It,” “I Believe,” “Go the Distance,” “A Change Is Gonna Come,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
Roberts previously crossed paths with Kirk Franklin during the Idol finale, where Franklin performed “Melodies from Heaven” and “Love Theory” with contestant Canaan James Hill. That same night, Roberts shared the stage with Jelly Roll for performances of “Unpretty” and “Liar,” before closing out the season with his winning original song, “Heal.”
Season 23 of American Idol was hosted by Ryan Seacrest, with Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie serving as judges. The show will be eligible for consideration at the 2025 Emmy Awards.
